Minister Madhwaraj lays Foundation Stone for Rs 1.5 Cr Outdoor Stadium at Yekkur
Mangaluru: As the deadline is getting nearer for the Election Code which will be enforced by the DC in the nearest future, in the meantime our Netas are trying to finish the pending projects that they promised to the Citizens as soon as possible- and for that matter today was a hectic day for the State Sports Minister Pramod Madhwaraj and MLA J R Lobo, where they laid foundation stones for three projects, namely- Outdoor Stadium at Yekkur; Jetty Launch at Sulthan battery; and Badminton and Kabbadi Stadium near Urwa Market.
Arriving an hour late, the programme which was suppose to start at 2.30 pm commenced at 3.30 pm, with 49 Kankanady B Ward Area Yekkur Corporator Praveen Alva welcoming the gathering and extending his heartfelt gratitude to MLA J R Lobo for his efforts and determination in getting this project going by getting an approval from the Sports Minister, with a budget of Rs 1.5 crore sanctioned towards the Outdoor Stadium which will come up in the KHB Maidan in Yekkur. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Minister Pramod Madhwaraj and MLA J R Lobo along with other dignitaries on the dais. The project plaque was also unveiled.
Addressing the gathering MLA J R Lobo said, “I am very grateful to sports minister Pramod Madhwaraj for accepting my request for sanction of funds for this outdoor stadium. When area corporator Praveen Alva had approached me and suggested that the Yekkur area and the vicinity had no proper sports facility/ground, I readily agreed for his request and tried my best in getting the amount sanctioned for the project- and now our efforts have materialized, and pretty soon a nice outdoor stadium will come up in this beautiful locality. Built on a land of about 1.5 acres and costing around Rs 1.5 crore, which may go up later, this stadium will serve the sporting needs of people of Yekkur, Jappinamogaru, Allape and Bajal areas. I request the residents around here to make the best use of the stadium once its launched”.
Also speaking on the occasion Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “I was called by MLA JR Lobo to be here in Mangaluru by 2.30 pm- and I was anxiously waiting to savor on delicious coastal fish delicacy before coming here for the programme, instead MLA Lobo cheated me by bringing me right here skipping my lunch {on lighter side of vein} . I am happy to be here among such a large gathering who are all excited at this outdoor stadium project. Outdoor stadiums are much better than indoor stadium because you can breathe fresh air, and you won’t sweat much. I am sure this stadium will benefit many sports enthusiasts in this area, and I have always supported the plans put forth by MLA JR Lobo. I am also happy to say that CN Siddaramaiah has increased the sports budget from Rs 145 crore to Rs 180 crore, of which Rs 8 crore right now is sanctioned towards sports projects in Mangaluru. I won’t talk much since I am hungry- and ready to taste some good Kudla fish delicacy as a treat from MLA Lobo {smiles}.”
MCC Mayor Bhaskar Moily, Former MCC Mayor Sashidar Hegde, and many important people from that locality graced the occasion.